State scrambles to find protective gear in wake of virus

OLYMPIA — Millions of N-95 masks and other types of personal protective equipment are being sent to the state as officials scramble to obtain items needed due to the growing coronavirus outbreak.

State Department of Health Assistant Secretary for Disease Control and Health Statistics Jerrod Davis said last week that there is significant global demand for these kinds of items and right now the state does not have enough.

According to Davis, the state’s joint operations team at Camp Murray — comprising the Department of Enterprise Services, Department of Health and the Emergency Management Division, — is working to procure the gear.

Health agencies statewide are reporting the quantity needed and the joint operation team works to fulfill them, he said.

Respirators, surgical masks, gowns, thermometers and sanitizing equipment have been delivered by the thousands.

Department of Enterprise spokeswoman Linda Kent said millions more have been requested by agencies working “creatively,” to fulfill a critical need.

Davis said requests have been made for gear from the national stockpile, Federal Emergency Management Agency and even public equipment donations are being accepted.

Kent said the team is “leaving no stone unturned.”